The changes in the athletic handbook for Wicomico County schools were not an athletics-based decision, according to directors.

Instead, it was part of a process to review and revise the request for permission to attend a school outside a student's attendance area, according to Kim Miles, director of secondary education for Wicomico County. The changes to the special permission form created a "huge measure of consistency" across grades pre-K through 12.

"Rather than changed, I would say the regulations have been tightened," Miles said. "The local district has the authority to go beyond what the Bayside has put in place but not go below what has been put in place. I certainly want to have every offering possible for every student, but we have to be realistic with our school class sizes, where instruction becomes the main focus and then as the name indicates — extracurriculars — are beyond that."

Miles made it clear that the change in reference to the new 365-day sit out period had been considered in the past and that there was no extenuating circumstances that triggered the decision.

There was no vote on the special permission or athletic handbook change because it is not a policy. It is a procedure that is "under the superintendent's purview," according to Miles.

"This was the time as we were making the other transitions (with special permission), it was decided that this was the time that would be appropriate for that decision as well," she added.

He said he sees both sides of decision and understands why people will be upset or happy.

He added that a firestorm was created with the previous basketball season.

"The four girls that transfer into Mardela this past year, I don't care what they say the reason was," Waller said. "The reason was to play basketball together."

Waller said society is made up of choices and these guidelines "apparently appear to be pointed at the athlete" to limit their ability to choose.

Waller is pro sport, but understands the importance of academics and how this could benefit athletes staying in one school.

The coach with 40-plus years of experience at Wicomico High School, recalled when Jammal King transferred to Bishop O'Connell High School two years ago. He said they enticed King with a better education and sports programs.

"It was a better opportunity and I was disappointed, but I thought this was the a better opportunity for the kid. … This goes on all the time," he said.

Co-curricular vs. extracurricular

Waller used an example of wanting to transfer to get the most exposure in band. He said it seems aimed at athletics without saying it really is.

But band is co-curricular, whereas sports are extracurricular. So with band, as with AP classes and other programs, students get credits. Though sports do not contribute to grades, Miles said they are an important part of the high-school experience.

Miles said programs such as AP Latin and Career Technology Education are not based in every Wicomico County high school, but are made available for students to travel during the school day to participate.

"We do not have total equity in the exact classes offered," Miles said. "Say the number of AP courses at Mardela in comparison to the number of AP courses at Wi-Hi or one of the other schools. But we have increased by a huge percentage the number of course offerings."

Miles stressed that the 365-day sit out guideline is only put into effect if the student is attending a school outside of their attendance zone, even if they move from a different county or a private school.

Also, if a student requests special permission to play a sport that is not offered at their attendance area school, the student will be placed in the school with the lowest population or building utilization at which the sport is provided. It also states if the student wanted to transfer back from that school, they would not be able to participate in athletics until the next year.

The special permission form format was changed to clear up confusion. It states to research the athletic handbook for more information on athletic eligibility guidelines.

"If you're in your district by home address, you are not requesting special permission, so this does not apply," Miles said. "This only applies if you're completing this form, requesting and getting approved for special permission."

rmarshall@dmg.gannett.comOn Twitter DTimes_Marshall

Changes to special permission

• According to Susan Jones, director of elementary education, and Kim Miles, director of secondary education, the new format of the special permission form will help organize and clarify the 1,000-plus requests the county receives throughout its 14 grades and roughly 14,500 students.

• The guidelines are much clearer for sending children to a day care or childcare center out of the parents' attendance area.

• There is an appeal process if the original request is denied.

• The principal of the school is the primary decision-maker in all processes.

• The four key factors looked at for special permission are the student's attendance, academic record and conduct record, plus the new school's available class size.